[kimmydawn]

There's been alot going on in my real world...lots of change, fears, upsets and newness.

I've been really reflecting of where I'm at and where I've come from because of that.

I thought I'd share and then ask anyone who wants to to share how PC has been a help.

Here goes...

I became a member on 10/04/04. I became a mod on 02/10/05 and an admin on 10/07/05.

How the time passes!

I reached out the day after my birthday...feeling so alone, so uncared for and even more misunderstood. I was sinking and thought there wasn't a soul "out there" who understood. I found PC in the wee hours of the morning. It was meant to be.

Then, as I took my little man and was forced to quit a job I loved, here was PC...allowing me to use my skill and combine it with my passion, understanding and care to do volunteer work that had always been my dream.

I've been through so much in my life and being able to share with others, give support and sometimes advice, but gain understanding through others sharing, coming out of isolation due to the sharing, and the massive support letting me know I'm not alone, has been life altering!

It's helped my relationship skills in real life tremendously in how I interact with others. It's helped to understand others' responses in real life when I can apply them with things I've learned here from someone going through something similar.

How blessed am I that I get to wrap up so many things in one outlet? I mean, my old therapist really credits alot of the awareness and learning that it took for healing to my experience here...

So, I get to fulfill dreams, have something just my own to contribute to and feel worthy, act on my life's calling which is to help others through my experiences...the reason for it all, AND learn/grow/heal.

How blessed am I?

My world is changing so fast, with so much going on. PC is "mine"...it doesn't change with its love, or battles in relationships. It's the one place that I can come to to do "my thing" and click that red x when it isn't the time to do so.

Yep, what an adverture! Like with any relationship, it's not *all* "wine and roses", but it's certainly been a great one for me to date. One of the best I've ever had that's still going strong.

I'm glad I have ya'll to share with, and blessed that y'all share and help "grow" me.

Love & Respect,

KD

[lenjan]

I've been here 3 years and at this point, if I want support I have to beg for it, but I give a lot -- pretty much of a turnaround from the beginning, I suppose.

PC has been a great adjunct to therapy for me -- not so hot as a substitute. But I'm grateful for the relationships I have here and the opportunities I've been given to help out behind the scenes. It helps me to feel productive, even if nobody notices.

CB

[kimmydawn]

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But I'm grateful for the relationships I have here and the opportunities I've been given to help out behind the scenes. It helps me to feel productive, even if nobody notices.

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I can relate to that alot, candy...especially the helping to feel productive...especially in the ways that I need to feel well-rounded.

I know that sometimes when I feel a post for support is not being seen, or maybe I'm not reflecting how bad I really need it, I'll PM someone close to me (one of the online relationships you speak of) and send just the link. It's my way of saying, "I'm not being heard and still need it."

Don't hesitate to do that with me...just send me a link. I do care.

KD

[seeker1950]

I think I've been here for about three years now, coming here as a result of a failed relationship. I immediately got loving and wise support, without which, I would have been lost in my attempt at recovery.
I had joined another all women's forum at the same time, and quickly got the comment, "Get over it!" and impatience with my struggle. Not so here on PC. The compassion and empathy from people who had been where I was, was what brought me thru!
Because of this experience, and my wellness now, I try to do the same for others coming here with similar problems. Also, I've made some great friends here.
Since I don't confide to people who are physically around me, it is great blessing to know I can come here with all my foibles, even making some mistakes occasionally, and still be accepted.
Patty

[kimmydawn]

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Since I don't confide to people who are physically around me, it is great blessing to know I can come here with all my foibles, even making some mistakes occasionally, and still be accepted.

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Oh, how I understand that one, patty! There's so much that those in my life don't understand and can't comprehend. Much of me is glad for that, but then there still leaves the fact that I did live through that...I'm still a "result" of that, ya know?

Thanks so much for sharing!

KD

Hi KimmyDawn,
I've only been here a little over a year.
At the time before I found PC, my family kept shoving down my throat that I was crazy because I went through a depression/anxiety and saw a psychiatrist and had to take meds. They wouldn't let it alone and reminded me of it, in some form or another, at every chance they had.
I was trying to get over my depression but I was slammed back into it again through the absolute lack of support and understanding and not letting me break out of the neat little labled box they had me in.

When I was told about PC-I decided to check it out and when I read the forums I liked how everyone was sooooo supportive and kind to people who were feeling really bad.
PC has helped me to learn to communicate with people better. It's given me a place to I feel like I fit in. It lets me know that I am needed when I can be there for someone who's going through a really tough time and needs a shoulder to cry on. PC also lets me know that I can share things I wouldn't with people IRL 'cause they wouldn't get it but the members here do. I know there are issues with security and every once in awhile there is tension and disagreements here on PC but that's normal. We're like a family here and fighting among siblings is normal-it'd be kinda weird if we agreed on everything, anyway. PC has also allowed me to express my deepest fears, shame, sorrows and hopes-and people actually LISTENED!!!! PC has kept me from feeling totally alone and isolated from humanity. PC has given me an outlet to cry, vent and help others. And PC has shown me that I'm not alone with these feelings of fear, anxiety, depression and self destructive urges. PC makes me feel like there is hope for me.
I could go on and on but I think everyone here already understands.
((((((((PC)))))))))
I love it here at PC. I love the members here.

I have been a member since 9-06, and I have not posted much, but I am beginning to feel some support here as I am learnng to reach out. I just happened to come across PC when I was ready to give up and I felt a urge to see what it was all about. I came and just read alot before I was able to reach out and join. I have not posted much but I read everyday and I am trying to post some. PC has really been there when no one here even knows. I have never had anyone and the people here have touched my heart like I did not even know it was possible. As I begin to post and reach out one step at a time, I feel the support and the real understanding from others here. There is no judgement here just genuine concern for others. PC has become a place of safety for me, when there is no other safe place to go. I am learning to trust for the very first time in my life. It is scary but I know that there are those here who understand and I can walk in their steps as I find my way.

[Raynaadi]

PC has been instrumentel for me since Oct of '04. I came here because I was depressed in a relationship. Since becoming a member, I've gotten sober from alcohol and been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Without PC, I would have not made it through countless days and nights feeling incredibly lonely. I've even gone back and read my old posts, and that is so fun to see how much growing I've done.

PC has helped me to better understand my own issues with mental illness, as well as to understand others' and learn how to be compassionate with just about anyone. I've gained and lost friends here, just like in real life. I've seen the community grow and change, I've seen it in peace and discord, and I've seen it recover time and time again......

PC for me is a microcosm to the world. I've been able to see my own roles here change. From a frightened newcomer, to the girl reaching out and asking for help, to the woman growing up and giving back to the community that has helped me so much.....

Without PC and every single member, I wouldn't have company for my morning coffee. I wouldn't have a chatroom to laugh and cry. I wouldn't be on a team which helps me feel like I have a purpose.....

I love PC like I love my hometown. It gives me friends who live in the box on my desk. PC is my hometown on the internet. I honestly don't know what I would do without it.......

[Fuzzybear]

It's helped me lots!

Always willing to share
Fuzzy

[Direction]

It has given me the hope to keep fighting...

It has given me an outlet to express my self...

It has given me information...

It has given me the knowledge that I'm not alone

It has given me an outlet to reach out to others through responding - which gives me a purpose.

[EJ711]

Hi KD and Friends,

I don't feel as alone living in the middle of nowhere, and in a town where they don't like outsiders.

It is great to have a place to vent, and to support people in their darkest and loneliest hours.

EJ

[Sabrina]

PC is a part of me in many different ways and I have learnt so much by being here.

Right at this moment, PC is helping to alleviate a desperate loneliness!

[DePressMe]

I was looking for information on depression and found PC. At first I was attracted to all the articles and the educational component and then I joined the community. Since being part of the community I have found wonderful support and opportunities to grow. When I am depressed I tend to isolate myself—PC has helped pull me out of the isolation because I am constantly in contact with people. This has given me the courage to get out in the “real” world. I really like having so much information at my finger tips, support from the online community and my personal blog all in one place.

[kimmydawn]

((((((((((((((( pickles ))))))))))))))))

Thank you for sharing!

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PC has kept me from feeling totally alone and isolated from humanity.

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Yes, that was HUGE for me...still is.

I'm so glad you're here.

KD

[kimmydawn]

(((((((((((( purplesecrets ))))))))))))))))))))

I'm glad you're here and feel safe. You are so brave. This I know.

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PC has become a place of safety for me, when there is no other safe place to go.

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Oh, yeah. I'm always "me" here...ppl aren't looking at my appearance, judging my actions while "talking", etc. That feels very safe for me.

Thank you so much for sharing.

KD

[kimmydawn]

((((((((((((((((((( rayna girl )))))))))))))))))))))))

You are such an inspiration to me. Your outlook on almost everything is so inspiring...a wonderful example to everyone around you.

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I've even gone back and read my old posts, and that is so fun to see how much growing I've done.

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I've done that as well. It's so cool to see, isn't it? It's so cool to know that the interactions, information, relationships here have helped that? I'm not kidding when I say that it was key in the healing I've experienced so far.

Thanks for being you, rayna girl. Thank you for sharing.

KD

[kimmydawn]

(((((((((((((((((((( Fuzziest Bear ))))))))))))))))))))))))

You're so special to PC.

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It's helped me lots!

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I'm so glad. Thanks for telling us.

KD

[kimmydawn]

(((((((((((((( Direction )))))))))))))))))

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It has given me an outlet to reach out to others through responding - which gives me a purpose.

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That says soooooo much.

Yes, the sense of purpose through sharing, caring, reaching out, etc. is really amazing at times, isn't it?

Thank you for your words.

KD

[kimmydawn]

(((((((((((((((((((((( EJ ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

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It is great to have a place to vent, and to support people in their darkest and loneliest hours.

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Yes, and you prove that every minute of every hour you spend here. Your care is so genuine and real that it's brought tears to my eyes at times. You're a beautiful soul and we're blessed you're here.

KD

[kimmydawn]

((((((((((((((((( Sabrina ))))))))))))))))))))

I do hope you feel better soon. I'm glad being here helps your loneliness.

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PC is a part of me in many different ways

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Isn't is amazing the impact this community can have in so many ways? It does become a part of as so many relationships do. What a great way to put it.

Thank you for sharing that and if you need, I'm a PM away, OK?

KD

[Raynaadi]

(((((( Kimmy ))))))))))

Thank you for starting this thread. I like being able to read the positive.

I forgot to add that I'll see things that remind me of people from PC when I'm out and bout IRL and it always gives me a smile.

[kimmydawn]

((((((((((((((((((( DePressMe ))))))))))))))))))))))

You impress me so much as an honest, caring, sharing person...your posting speaks to me much of the time when I read it. I'm glad you're here.

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I really like having so much information at my finger tips, support from the online community and my personal blog all in one place.

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That's a really great point. There's so much to PC outside of these forums...so much to help us grow in life, learn about our struggles and others' struggles, find the latest news.

Thank you so much for pointing that out

KD

[Hopefull]

I like having a place to rant about life. Since I know that people can decide whether they feel up to reading my whining, I know that I probably won't drive a person nuts. I worry that my friends might get sick of listening to my complaints about my life and dump me. I know that you won't because you can choose not to read it if you feel crappy yourself. My friends might have more trouble feeling okey about not wanting to hear my blah, blah.
I also like to respond to the posts of others. I like feeling like I might have helped a person or two. I have been practicing being an encourager at church and think that PC is another way to continue to work on encouraging others.

[Bethsway]

Kimmydawn...Pc has been helpful to me because it is my safe place...the one place I can go and be me and not worry what others are thinking! It also helps me when I am feeling down and lonely. I read a few posts from people and I feel much better! Knowing you are not the only depressed person in the world helps me alot!! So glad I found this place!

[kimmydawn]

((((((((((( hopefull ))))))))))))))))) hi there!

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I worry that my friends might get sick of listening to my complaints about my life and dump me.

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What a good point that is!!! That is so true in my life as well. I don't nearly wear the ppl out in my world as much with my "stuff". It's really helped my relationships there...especially with hubby!

thank you for responding!!!

Kd